STAT+: RA Capital backs upstart rival to Ultragenyx and Ionis in rare brain disease

Merger will help Oak Hill Bio revive old Roche drug for Angelman syndrome An image of the chromosomes of someone with Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by a lack of function of part of chromosome 15Adobe Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77. RA Capital and a fleet of other investors are putting $175 million behind Oak Hill Bio, a startup trying to revive an experimental Angelman syndrome drug that Roche shelved. Oak Hill is competing with Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, both of which are already running Phase 3 trials of similar drugs for the same disease. Ultragenyx will have results this year. Oak Hill is betting it has the best molecule. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe General Assignment Reporter Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77.